U.S. patent application number 12/771141 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for tracheal tube with dividing membrane.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Lisogurski.
Application Number | 20110265799 12/771141 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44857280 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110265799 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lisogurski; Daniel |
November 3, 2011 |
TRACHEAL TUBE WITH DIVIDING MEMBRANE
Abstract
Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a flexible
membrane disposed therein for separation of a ventilation lumen of
the tracheal tube into multiple channels are provided. The flexible
membrane is configured to divide a main ventilation lumen of the
tracheal tube into an inspiration channel and an expiration
channel. In some embodiments, a volume of the inspiration channel
is substantially equal to a volume of the expiration channel.
Inventors: |
Lisogurski; Daniel;
(Boulder, CO) |
Assignee: |
Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
Boulder
CO
|
Family ID: |
44857280 |
Appl. No.: |
12/771141 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/207.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/205 20140204;
A61M 16/202 20140204; A61M 16/0443 20140204; A61M 16/0479 20140204;
A61M 16/0484 20140204; A61M 16/0486 20140204; A61M 16/042 20140204;
A61M 16/0463 20130101; A61M 16/204 20140204; A61M 16/0434
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/207.15 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/04 20060101
A61M016/04 |
Claims
1. A tracheal tube, comprising: a tubular body having an open
distal end and a ventilation lumen for ventilating a patient; and a
flexible membrane disposed within the ventilation lumen of the
tubular body and configured to move or flex to define an
inspiration channel and an expiration channel during a breathing
cycle of the patient.
2. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is
formed from at least one of silicone, polyurethane, and
thin-polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
3. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the tracheal tube is
configured to be attached to at least one of a ventilator, a bag
for ventilation, inspiration valving, expiration valving, and an
air supply.
4. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein a transverse length of the
flexible membrane is less than or equal to one half of the
circumference of the ventilation lumen.
5. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein a transverse length of the
flexible membrane is greater than one half of the circumference of
the ventilation lumen.
6. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane
comprises a protrusion, the tubular body comprises a groove, and
the flexible membrane is coupled to the tubular body via the
protrusion fitting in the groove.
7. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein a first end portion of the
flexible membrane is embedded within a first portion of a wall of
the tubular body and a second end portion of the flexible membrane
is embedded within a second portion of the wall of the tubular
body.
8. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is a
variable tensioned membrane comprising a first portion with a first
tension level and a second portion with a second tension level,
wherein the first tension level is substantially different from the
second tension level.
9. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is a
circular membrane comprising at least one of a curled portion and a
valve disposed at an end of the circular membrane.
10. The tracheal tube of claim 9, wherein the curled portion is
configured to maintain a curled position during a first portion of
the breathing cycle and to uncurl to allow airflow through the
circular membrane during a second portion of the breathing
cycle.
11. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane
comprises one or more pores configured to allow airflow from a
first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane.
12. A tracheal tube, comprising: a tubular body having an open
distal end and a main lumen for ventilating a patient; and a
membrane disposed within the main lumen of the tubular body and
configured to alternate between a first position and a second
position to define an inspiration channel and an expiration channel
during a breathing cycle of the patient, wherein a volume of the
inspiration channel during inspiration combined with a volume of
the expiration channel during expiration is substantially greater
than a volume of the main lumen.
13. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the membrane comprises
an antimicrobial layer.
14. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the membrane is
configured to allow air to permeate from the inspiration channel to
the expiration channel during the breathing cycle.
15. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the membrane comprises
an elastic material and wherein the membrane is configured to
alternate between the first position and the second position when
pressurized by airflow to and/or from the patient.
16. The tracheal tube of claim 15, wherein a default length of the
membrane is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the main
lumen and wherein the membrane is configured to remain at the
default length while the membrane is not pressurized.
17. A tracheal tube, comprising: a tubular body having an open
distal end and a ventilation lumen for ventilating a patient; a
cuff disposed around the tubular body above the open distal end and
configured to be inflated to seal the cuff against a wall of a
trachea of a patient; and a membrane disposed within the
ventilation lumen of the tubular body and configured to flex to
define an inspiration channel and an expiration channel during a
breathing cycle of the patient, wherein a volume of the inspiration
channel and a volume of the expiration channel are substantially
equal to each other and to a volume of the main ventilation
lumen.
18. The tracheal tube of claim 17, wherein the membrane is
configured to be attached to inspiration valving and expiration
valving, and wherein the inspiration valving and the expiration
valving cooperate to allow airflow in a first direction to the
patient during inspiration and in a second direction from the
patient during expiration.
19. The tracheal tube of claim 17, wherein a portion of the
membrane is substantially wider than an inner diameter of the
ventilation lumen.
20. The tracheal tube of claim 17, wherein a portion of the
membrane is substantially shorter than an inner diameter of the
ventilation lumen.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices
and, more particularly, to airway devices, such as tracheal
tubes.
[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the
present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This
discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with
background information to facilitate a better understanding of the
various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should
be understood that these statements are to be read in this light,
and not as admissions of prior art.
[0003] Tracheal tubes are often placed in the airway of a patient
in medical situations that necessitate protection of the airway
from possible obstruction or occlusion. For instance, tracheal
tubes may be used in emergency situations, such as when a patient
experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Such tracheal tubes are
often coupled to an air source, such as a ventilator, to provide
the patient with a source of fresh air. After patient expiration
into the tracheal tube, a volume of the ventilation lumen often
remains filled with expired air. Unfortunately, upon inspiration,
the patient may re-breathe a portion of the expired air remaining
in the ventilation lumen. Inspiration of the expired air may
compromise the quality of the fresh air being supplied to the
patient because the expired air may include increased carbon
dioxide levels and decreased oxygen levels as compared to the fresh
air supply.
[0004] Additionally, since many traditional tracheal tubes provide
a single channel through which the patient inspires and expires
air, biofilms may develop on an inner surface of the main
ventilation lumen. Such biofilms may accumulate and even dislodge
during the breathing cycle, which is generally undesirable.
Accordingly, there exists a need for systems that address such
drawbacks with conventional tracheal tubes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Advantages of the disclosed techniques may become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference
to the drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an exemplary endotracheal
tube including a flexible membrane disposed therein in accordance
with aspects of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary ventilation
system coupled to a tracheal tube ventilation lumen that is divided
into an expiration channel and an inspiration channel by a flexible
membrane;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube of
FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of an elastic flexible
membrane;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube of
FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of a flexible membrane including
slack;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube of
FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of a flexible membrane including
slack;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary adhesion attachment
mechanism between a wall of a tracheal tube and an exemplary
flexible membrane;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary protrusion and groove
attachment mechanism between a wall of a tracheal tube and an
exemplary flexible membrane;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary adhesion attachment
mechanism between a wall of a tracheal tube and an exemplary
flexible membrane;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tracheal
tube with a variable tensioned flexible membrane mounted
therein;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a sectional view through the tracheal tube of
FIG. 9 illustrating a tension level of the flexible membrane at a
first exemplary position along the length of the flexible
membrane;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a sectional view through the tracheal tube of
FIG. 9 illustrating a tension level of the flexible membrane at a
second exemplary position along the length of the flexible
membrane;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a sectional view through the tracheal tube of
FIG. 9 illustrating a tension level of the flexible membrane at a
third exemplary position along the length of the flexible
membrane;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a
tracheal tube including a circular flexible membrane disposed
within a main lumen of the tracheal tube to separate the main lumen
into an inspiration channel and an expiration channel;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube of
FIG. 13 illustrating a curled portion of the circular flexible
membrane during expiration;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the circular flexible
membrane of FIG. 13 illustrating a curled portion of the circular
flexible membrane during inspiration;
[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary flexible membrane in which
the width of the flexible membrane is substantially equal to an
inner diameter of a main lumen of the tracheal tube;
[0022] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary flexible
membrane in which a first end of the flexible membrane is
substantially wider than a second end of the flexible membrane;
[0023] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary flexible
membrane in which a width of the flexible membrane is greater than
an inner diameter of a main lumen of a tracheal tube;
[0024] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary flexible
membrane including an expanded portion that extends outward beyond
an inner diameter of a ventilation lumen of a tracheal tube;
and
[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary flexible
membrane including an expanded portion that extends outward beyond
an inner diameter of a ventilation lumen of a tracheal tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0026] One or more specific embodiments of the present techniques
will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise
description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual
implementation are described in the specification. It should be
appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the
developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related
and business-related constraints, which may vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication,
and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0027] As described in detail below, embodiments of an endotracheal
tube (ETT) having a flexible membrane disposed therein for
separation of the ETT into multiple distinct channels are provided.
In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is configured to divide
a main ventilation lumen of the ETT into dual compartments so as to
define a distinct inspiration channel and a distinct expiration
channel. However, the flexibility of the membrane may facilitate
movement of the membrane within the main ventilation lumen such
that the volumes of the inspiration and expiration channels are
substantially equal. That is, since the flexible membrane may move
during operation, the volume of air inspired and expired need not
be compromised by the division of the ETT into separate channels.
As such, during inspiration, the foregoing features may have the
effect of reducing or eliminating re-breathing of air exhaled by
the patient. Furthermore, such features may reduce or eliminate
biofilm growth along the length of the main ventilation lumen since
air flow is established in only one direction through each
channel.
[0028] The ETT may be disposable rather than reusable, capable of
conveying gas to and from the patient, capable of providing
separate inspiration and expiration channels without compromising
the volume of airflow to and from the patient, and capable of
establishing unidirectional flow through the established channels
in the main lumen during intubation. As such, the devices and
techniques provided herein may enable the ability to maintain a
bidirectional gas flow between the patient and an external
ventilation device through separate channels in the main lumen
while utilizing the substantially maximum volume available in the
main ventilation lumen during both inspiration and expiration
cycles.
[0029] It should be noted that the provided tracheal tubes and
methods of operating the tracheal tubes may be used in conjunction
with auxiliary devices, such as airway accessories, ventilators,
humidifiers, and so forth, which may cooperate with the tracheal
tubes to maintain airflow to and from the lungs of the patient. For
instance, the tracheal tubes may be placed in the trachea and
coupled to a ventilator to protect the airway from possible
obstruction or occlusion in emergency situations, such as when a
patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. For further
example, the tracheal tubes may be coupled to an adapter or
connector that is configured to cooperate with control circuitry to
activate valving that controls the airflow to and from the patient
during inspiration and expiration.
[0030] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present
invention illustrated and described herein are discussed in the
context of endotracheal tubes, it should be noted that presently
contemplated embodiments may include a flexible membrane disposed
within a main lumen associated with any of a variety of suitable
airway devices. For example, the flexible membrane may be
associated with a tracheostomy tube, a Broncho-Cath.TM. tube, a
specialty tube, or any other airway device with a main ventilation
lumen. Indeed, any device with a ventilation lumen designed for use
in an airway of a patient may include a flexible membrane disposed
therein to divide the main lumen into multiple chambers.
Furthermore, as used herein, the term "tracheal tube" may include
an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, a Broncho-Cath.TM. tube,
a specialty tube, or any other airway device.
[0031] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an elevational view
of an exemplary tracheal tube 10 in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure. The tracheal tube 10 includes a central tubular
body 12 with a main ventilation lumen 14, a proximal end 16, and a
distal end 18, respectively. In some embodiments, the proximal end
14 may be outfitted with a connector that may be attached to a
ventilation device during operation. The tubular body 12 also
includes a flexible membrane 20 that divides the main lumen 14 into
an inspiration channel 22 and an expiration channel 24. The
inspiration channel 22 is configured to allow airflow to the
patient, as indicated by arrow 26, and the expiration channel 24 is
configured to allow airflow from the patient, as indicated by arrow
28. However, it should be noted that although the flexible membrane
20 is illustrated in a position that divides the main lumen 14 into
the two channels 22 and 24, the flexible membrane 20 is adapted to
move within the main ventilation lumen 14 such that the sizes of
the channel 22 and the channel 24 are variable throughout
operation.
[0032] The distal end 18 of the tracheal tube 10 terminates in an
opening 30 and may be placed in a patient's trachea during
operation to maintain airflow to and from the patient's lungs. A
Murphy's eye 32 may be located on the tubular body 12 opposite the
opening 30 to prevent airway occlusion when the tracheal tube
assembly 10 is improperly placed within the patient's trachea. As
illustrated, a cuff 34 that may be inflated to seal against the
walls of a body cavity (e.g., a trachea) may be attached to the
distal end 18 of the tubular body 12. The cuff 34 may be inflated
via an inflation lumen 36 terminating in an inflation tube 38
connected to a fixture 40 located at the proximal end 16 of the
tubular body 12. A shoulder 42 of the cuff 34 secures the cuff 34
to the tubular body 12. In some embodiments, the shoulder 42 may be
folded up inside a lower end of the cuff 34 (not shown).
Additionally, it should be noted that the cuff 34 may be any
suitable cuff, such as a tapered cuff, a non-tapered cuff, and so
forth. As illustrated, the tubular body 12 also includes a suction
lumen 44 that extends from a location on the tracheal tube 10
positioned outside the body when in use to a location on the
tubular body 12 below the cuff 34 and above the Murphy's eye 32.
The suction lumen 44 terminates in a port 46 through which
secretions may be aspirated.
[0033] An exterior suction tube 48 connects to the suction lumen 44
for the removal of suctioned fluids. The suction tube 48 terminates
outside the body during use in a fixture 50 with a cap 52 that
allows the suction tube 48 to be connected to auxiliary equipment
(e.g., vacuum, collection reservoir, and so forth) during
suctioning and to be closed when not in use. During operation, the
suction tube 48 may be connected to a vacuum that applies suction
in a predetermined continuous or discontinuous manner such that
mucus removal is synchronized with patient expiration. For
instance, vacuum may be applied such that mucus flow through the
suctioning lumen 44 is established in the same direction and at the
same time as airflow out of the patient through the expiration
channel 24 during expiration.
[0034] The tubular body 12, the cuff 34, and the flexible membrane
20 may be formed from materials having desirable mechanical
properties (e.g., puncture resistance, pin hole resistance, tensile
strength, and so forth) and desirable chemical properties (e.g.,
biocompatibility). For example, in one embodiment, the walls of the
cuff 34 may be made of a polyurethane (e.g., Dow Pellethane.RTM.
2363-80A) having suitable mechanical and chemical properties. In
other embodiments, the walls of the cuff 34 may be made of a
suitable polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In certain embodiments, the cuff
34 may be generally sized and shaped as a high volume, low pressure
cuff that may be designed to be inflated to pressures between about
15 cm H2O and 30 cm H2O.
[0035] Likewise, the flexible membrane 20 may be made of a variety
of materials having the desired flexibility and durability
necessary for the given application. For example, the flexible
membrane 20 may be made of materials such as silicone,
polyurethane, and thin-polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Still further, the
flexible membrane 20 may include more than one layer. For instance,
the flexible membrane 20 may include a structural PVC layer and a
functional antimicrobial coating layer to reduce or eliminate
undesirable microbial growth. The flexible membrane 20 may also be
composed of multiple structural layers that each endows the
membrane with desirable properties. For example, the flexible
membrane 20 may include one layer that imparts the membrane with
durability and one layer that imparts the membrane with
flexibility. Still further, the flexible membrane may include
elastic materials, which allow the membrane to move within the main
lumen of the tracheal tube during intubation of a patient.
[0036] During operation, the tracheal tube 10 is inserted into the
trachea of a patient, often while the patient is resting in a
typical semirecumbent position. After insertion, the cuff 34 may be
inflated via a syringe connected to the inflation tube 38, thus
holding the tracheal tube 10 in position. During use, when the cuff
34 is inflated and the tracheal tube 10 is placed such that it is
centered within the trachea, the port 46 may be utilized to
aspirate secretions accumulating above the cuff 34. Furthermore,
the flexible membrane 20 is adapted to move within the main lumen
14 to enlarge the inspiration channel 22 when the patient is
receiving air and to enlarge the expiration channel 24 when the
patient is exhaling air. As such, separate channels are utilized by
the patient during inspiration and expiration.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary ventilation
system 54 coupled to the tracheal tube body 12 via the main lumen
14, which is divided into the expiration channel 24 and the
inspiration channel 22 by the flexible membrane 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, the ventilation system 54 includes an
inspiration valve 56 coupled to the inspiration channel 22 and an
expiration valve 58 coupled to the expiration channel 24. The
inspiration valve 56 and the expiration valve 58 are coupled to a
controller 60 that is configured to output one or more control
signals to direct the operation of the valves 56 and 58. The
inspiration valve 56 is also connected to an air supply 62 that
provides a fresh gas mixture to the patient during inspiration.
[0038] It should be noted that the inspiration valve 56, the
expiration valve 58, and the controller 60 may be located in the
ventilator 54 as shown in FIG. 2 or may be positioned in a
standalone unit. That is, in some embodiments, such components may
be separate from the ventilator 54 such that existing systems may
be retrofitted with a desirable valve system. Still further,
certain embodiments of the tracheal tube with the dividing membrane
disclosed herein may not be coupled to an external valve system. In
such embodiments, the valve system internal to or coupled to the
tracheal tube itself may provide adequate valving for the given
application. Indeed, the tracheal tubes disclosed herein may be
coupled to an external valve system, may have a valve system
integral in the tube itself, or may have no valve system at
all.
[0039] During operation, the ventilation system 54 is configured to
output a fresh gas mixture to the patient and receive exhaled air
from the patient. For example, at the beginning of an inspiration
cycle, the air supply 62 is adapted to output a fresh gas mixture
to the inspiration valve 56, which is directed to open by the
controller 60. A fresh gas mixture flows through the inspiration
valve 56 to the inspiration channel 22. As the fresh gas mixture
flows into the inspiration channel 22, the flexible membrane 20
adjusts to enlarge the inspiration channel 22 and allow the
incoming air to flow to the patient. At the completion of the
inspiration cycle, the expiration cycle is initiated. As such, the
controller 60 directs the inspiration valving 56 to close and
directs the expiration valving 58 to open. As the patient exhales,
the air flow from the patient causes the flexible membrane 20 to
alter its position to enlarge the expiration channel 24. The
exhaled air is then either received by the ventilation device 54
and expelled from the ventilation device 54 or is expelled directly
into the surrounding environment. In such a way, the valving may be
utilized to ensure that inhaled air travels exclusively through the
inspiration channel 22 and exhaled air travels exclusively through
the expiration channel 24. Indeed, any of a variety of suitable
valving arrangements may be employed in conjunction with the
tracheal tube with a flexible membrane. For example, the valving
may include one way valves, two way valves, reversing valves, and
so forth, as desired for the given embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube 10 of
FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of the flexible membrane 20
during use. As shown, the flexible membrane 20 may default to a
first position 64 during intubation of the patient. Subsequently,
during use, the flexible membrane 20 may flex to a second position
66 and/or a third position 68 as the patient breathes in and out.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the membrane 20 may be
made of a substantially elastic material that is adapted to stretch
between the second position 66 and the third position 68 during the
breathing cycle. Still further, in other embodiments, the membrane
20 may be configured to stretch or flex to a variety of other
positions not indicated in FIG. 3. For instance, the membrane 20
may flex to a position beyond position 66 further toward wall 70 to
enlarge an inspiration channel when air is flowing into the
patient's lungs. The membrane 20 may then flex to a position beyond
position 68 further toward wall 72 to enlarge an expiration channel
when the patient is exhaling.
[0041] In some embodiments, the flexible membrane 20 may be
configured to stretch to a maximum position equal to approximately
half the circumference of the inner diameter of the main lumen of
the tracheal tube. That is, the membrane 20 may be adapted to
stretch to a maximum position such that the membrane 20 lies flat
against the wall 70 or 72 when stretched. Still further, in other
embodiments, the membrane 20 may be configured to stretch to a
position equal to less than half the circumference of the inner
diameter of the main lumen such that the membrane 20 does not
contact either of the lumen walls 70 and 72. Indeed, the flexible
membrane 20 may be configured to stretch to any suitable length so
as to define a separate inspiration channel and a separate
expiration channel during the breathing cycle.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube 10 of
FIG. 1 illustrating a further embodiment of the flexible membrane
20 during use. In this embodiment, the default position 74 of the
membrane 20 is not taut as in the embodiment of FIG. 3, but rather
includes a looser structure. As such, in this embodiment, the
membrane 20 may not be elastic since the default position 74 of the
membrane 20 includes enough slack to allow for movement from side
to side within the main lumen of the tracheal tube 12. During
operation, in one embodiment, the membrane 20 may move from
position 74 toward outer wall 70 to position 76 during patient
inspiration, as indicated by arrows 78, to define a distinct
inspiration channel. Similarly, the membrane 20 may move from
position 74 to position 80 during patient expiration, as indicated
by arrows 82, to define a distinct expiration channel. As such, the
length of the flexible membrane 20 may be greater than or equal to
the inner diameter of the main ventilation lumen. For example, in
some embodiments, the length of the membrane 20 may be between the
inner diameter of the main ventilation lumen and the circumference
of the ventilation lumen. As such, the flexible membrane 20 is
adapted to move within the main lumen to separately define an
inspiration channel and an expiration channel each with a volume
that is approximately equal to the volume of the main ventilation
lumen. Such a feature may offer distinct advantages over airway
devices that separate the volume of the main lumen, thereby
reducing the volume available for airflow during each phase of the
respiration cycle.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the tracheal tube 10 of
FIG. 1 illustrating a further embodiment of the flexible membrane
20 during use. In this embodiment, the flexible membrane 20 is
substantially longer than the flexible membrane of FIG. 4. As
shown, during inspiration, the membrane 20 may flex outward toward
wall 70 to position 86, as indicated by arrows 88, to define an
inspiration channel. In this embodiment, the length of the membrane
20 is such that when the membrane 20 is in position 86, the
membrane 20 is substantially close to wall 70. Indeed, in some
embodiments, the membrane 20 may be contacting the wall 70.
Likewise, during operation, the membrane 20 may flex toward the
wall 72 from position 84 to position 90, as indicated by arrows 92.
Furthermore, as the patient alternates between inspiration and
expiration, the membrane 20 may flex between position 86 and
position 90. Again, the length of the membrane 20 is such that when
the membrane is in position 90 the membrane 20 is substantially
close to the wall 72 and may be in contact with the wall 72 in some
embodiments. Additionally, it should be noted that the membrane may
be both elastic, as in the embodiment of FIG. 3, and may have
slack, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary attachment between the wall
of the tracheal tube 12 and the flexible membrane 20. In this
embodiment, the membrane 20 is adhered to a first side 94 of the
tracheal tube 12 and a second side 96 of the tracheal tube 12. That
is, the membrane 20 may be glued or stuck via an alternative
adhesive to the first side 94 and the second side 96 of the
tracheal tube 12. In such an arrangement, the flexible membrane 20
may be embedded in the wall of the tracheal tube 12 such that
during the breathing cycle as the patient inhales and exhales, a
middle section of the membrane 20 is configured to move within the
main lumen while the end portions of the membrane 20 remain fixed
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate exemplary attachment
mechanism that may be used to secure the flexible membrane 20 to
the wall of the tracheal tube 12. In this embodiment, the membrane
20 includes a protrusion 98 that is embedded in the tracheal tube
wall 12 during use. A width of the protrusion 98 is greater than a
width of the membrane 20 located within the main lumen. As such,
the protrusion 98 remains embedded in the tracheal tube wall 12 as
the membrane flexes and moves during the breathing cycle of the
patient. That is, the protrusion 98 substantially prevents the
membrane 20 from dislodging from the tracheal tube wall 12 during
operation. In some embodiments, the protrusion 98 may fit into a
groove that is pre-formed in the tracheal tube wall 12.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary attachment mechanism
that may be utilized to secure the flexible membrane 20 to the
tracheal tube wall 12. In this embodiment, the flexible membrane 20
includes a fold 100 located between a first portion 102 of the
membrane 20 and a second portion 104 of the membrane 20. The second
portion 104 of the membrane 20 is adhered to the tracheal tube wall
12 to secure the membrane 20 to the tracheal tube during use. As
such, the first portion 102 of the membrane 20 may flex and move to
selectively define an inspiration channel and an expiration channel
as the patient inhales and exhales. It should be noted that the
adhesion of the second portion 104 of the membrane 20 to the
tracheal tube wall 12 may be reversed. That is, the fold 100 may be
reversed such that an opposite surface of the second portion 104 is
adhered to the tracheal tube wall 12. For example, in one
embodiment, the second portion 104 of the membrane 20 located on
one side of the tracheal tube may be positioned in a first
direction, and a second portion of the membrane 20 located on the
opposite side of the tracheal tube may be positioned in the
opposite direction.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tracheal
tube with a variable tensioned flexible membrane 106 mounted
therein. The variable tensioned flexible membrane 106 includes
different tension levels lengthwise along the membrane. That is, in
some areas along the length of the membrane 106, the tension may be
tighter while in other areas along the length of the same membrane,
the tension may be looser. An exemplary variation of the tension
along the length of the membrane 106 is illustrated in the cross
sections take along lines 10-10, 11-11, and 12-12 of FIG. 9.
[0048] Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a section of the variable
tension membrane 106 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9. At this
lengthwise position along the membrane 106, the membrane 106 is
taut and no slack exists from a first side 108 of the tracheal tube
body 12 to a second side 110 of the tracheal tube body 12. As such,
the tension at such a position in the flexible membrane 106 is high
relative to the positions at further distances along the membrane
106. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a section of the variable
tension membrane 106 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9. At this
lengthwise position along the membrane 106, the membrane 106
includes slack 112 in the direction from side 108 to side 110 of
the tracheal tube 12 such that the membrane 106 may expand outward
toward the walls of the tracheal tube 12. For example, the membrane
106 may include enough slack to expand outward toward position 114,
as indicated by arrows 116, and to expand outward toward position
118, as indicated by arrows 120. For further example, the slack 112
in the membrane 106 may allow the membrane to flex to position 114
to define an inspiration channel and to position 118 to define an
expiration channel.
[0049] FIG. 12 illustrates another section of the variable tension
membrane 106 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9. At this lengthwise
position along the membrane 106, the membrane 106 includes
additional slack 122 relative to the position illustrated in FIG.
11. As such, the membrane 106 is configured to flex outward to a
position 124, as indicated by arrows 126, and to a position 128, as
indicated by arrows 130, during use in a breathing cycle. For
example, the membrane 106 may flex to position 124 during
inspiration to define an inspiration chancel and to position 128
during expiration to define an expiration channel. As such, the
variable tensioned membrane 106 may include different tension and
slack levels at various positions along the length of the membrane
106.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the tracheal tube 12 including a flexible membrane configured to
define an inspiration channel and an expiration channel. In this
embodiment, the tracheal tube 12 includes a circular flexible
membrane 132 disposed within the main lumen 14 of the tracheal tube
12. In the illustrated embodiment, the circular membrane 132 is
shown in an expanded orientation such that an inspiration channel
134 is established within the main lumen 14 of the tracheal tube
12. That is, the circular membrane 132 may be configured to expand
and collapse to define distinct inspiration and expiration channels
during the breathing cycle. For example, the circular membrane 132
may be configured to collapse in on itself during expiration and
expand toward the inner walls of the main lumen 14 during
inspiration. Still further, in other embodiments, the circular
membrane 132 may include additional modifications that facilitate
the separation of the main lumen 14 into distinct channels during
the breathing cycle.
[0051] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary modification that may be
made to the circular membrane 132 of FIG. 13 near the distal end 18
of the tracheal tube 12 to facilitate inspiration and expiration
through separate channels established in the tracheal tube 12. As
illustrated, a distal end of the circular membrane 132 includes a
curled portion 136 that is configured to remain curled (i.e., in a
closed position that prevents airflow through the circular
membrane) during expiration. Accordingly, as shown, during patient
expiration, airflow is established in an outward direction, as
indicated by arrows 138 through the main lumen 14 without entering
the circular membrane 132.
[0052] FIG. 15 illustrates positioning of the curled end 136 of the
circular membrane 132 during patient inspiration. As shown, the
curled end 136 uncurls to allow air to flow to the patient through
the inspiration channel 134 in the direction indicated by arrows
140. That is, the curled end 136 is configured to curl and uncurl
in accordance with the breathing cycle to define an inspiration
channel through the circular membrane 132 or an expiration channel
through the main lumen 14. When the curled end 136 is in a curled
position, air is prohibited from flowing through the inspiration
channel 134. However, during inspiration, pressurized airflow, such
as air from a ventilation device, may force the curled end 136 to
uncurl, thus allowing air to flow to the patient. In this way, the
circular membrane 132 disposed in the main lumen 14 may be utilized
to define a separate inspiration channel and a separate expiration
channel during the breathing cycle of a patient.
[0053] It should be noted that the width of the flexible membrane
disposed in the tracheal tube may be greater than, less than, or
equal to the inner diameter of the main lumen of the tracheal tube.
Indeed, in some embodiments, the width of the flexible membrane may
be equal to the inner diameter of the main lumen in some areas,
less than the inner diameter of the main lumen in other areas, and
greater than the inner diameter of the main lumen in additional
areas. FIGS. 16 through 20 illustrate a variety of possible widths
of the flexible membrane with respect to the inner diameter of the
tracheal tube.
[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary flexible membrane 20 in
which the width of the flexible membrane 20 is substantially equal
to an inner diameter 142 of the main lumen of the tracheal tube.
The illustrated flexible membrane 20 includes a plurality of ports
144, 146, and 148 disposed lengthwise along the flexible membrane
20. The first port 144 is disposed at a first distance 150 from the
end of the flexible membrane 20, the second port 146 is disposed at
a second distance 152 from the end of the flexible membrane 20, and
the third port 148 is disposed at a third distance 154 from the end
of the flexible membrane 20. It should be noted that the distances
150, 152, and 154 may be any suitable distances such that the ports
144, 146, and 148 are located in the desired positions. For
example, the ports 144, 146, and 148 may be equidistantly spaced
relative to one another as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 144, 146, and 148
are defined by diameters 156, 158, and 160, respectively. The
diameters 156, 158, and 160 may be substantially equal or may be
different as desired. For example, it may be desirable to provide a
plurality of large ports and a plurality of small ports
advantageously located at varying positions along the length of the
flexible membrane 20. The ported flexible membrane may offer a
variety of distinct advantages over non-ported membranes. For
example, the ported membrane may allow air to flow from one side of
the membrane to the other side of the membrane during operation,
thereby facilitating the transition between the inspiration channel
and the expiration channel throughout the breathing cycle. For
further example, the ports may render the flexible membrane "leaky"
such that inspiration air may permeate to the expiration side of
the membrane. Such a membrane may substantially isolate the
expiration and inspiration channels from one another while allowing
minimal airflow across the membrane.
[0056] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the flexible
membrane 20 in which a first end 162 of the flexible membrane 20 is
substantially wider than a second end 164 of the flexible membrane
20. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end 164 of
the flexible membrane 20 is not as wide as the inner diameter 142
of the main lumen. Indeed, along the length of the flexible
membrane 20 from the first end 162 to the second end 164, the width
of the flexible membrane 20 varies. As such, portions of the
flexible membrane 20 are as wide as the inner diameter 142 of the
lumen and other portions are not as wide as the lumen.
[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible
membrane 20 in which a width of the flexible membrane 20 is greater
than the inner diameter 142 of the main lumen. That is, at the
first end of the flexible membrane 20, a width of the flexible
membrane 20 is substantially wider than the inner diameter 142. The
width of the flexible membrane 20 decreases lengthwise from the
first end 162 to the second end 164 until the width of the flexible
membrane 20 is equal to the inner diameter 142 at the second end
164. That is, in some embodiments, the width of the flexible
membrane 20 may exceed the inner diameter 142 of the main lumen of
the tracheal tube. It should be noted that the width of the
flexible membrane 20 may vary in a variety of ways not illustrated
in FIG. 18. For example, the width of the membrane may be
substantially equal to the inner diameter of the main lumen at the
first end 162 of the membrane and may be greater than the inner
diameter of the main lumen at the second end 164 of the membrane.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flexible membrane 20 may be
configured to seal against a wall of the tracheal tube, thereby
functioning as a valve that facilitates the separation of the
tracheal tube into an inspiration channel and an expiration channel
during the breathing cycle of the patient.
[0058] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the flexible
membrane 20 including an expanded portion 166 that extends outward
beyond the inner diameter 142 of the inner lumen. Similarly, FIG.
20 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the flexible membrane 20
including an expanded portion 168 that is greater in width than the
inner diameter 142 of the main lumen. Indeed, the expanded portions
166 and 168 may be elongated as in FIG. 20 or shortened as in FIG.
19 and may extend along the entire length of the flexible membrane
20 or only a portion of the membrane 20.
[0059] It should be noted that features of the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 may be combined in some embodiments of
the flexible membrane. For example, the porosity of the membrane of
FIG. 16 may be combined with the expanded portions of the
embodiment of FIG. 19. Indeed, an embodiment of the flexible
membrane may include any combination of the features of the
illustrated membranes, such as expanded portions, pores, sections
wider than an inner diameter of the main lumen, sections narrower
than the inner diameter of the main lumen, and so forth.
[0060] While the disclosure may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the
embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, the various embodiments may
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
following appended claims.
* * * * *